- Instagram @fabiodfvieira
London – Arsenal are reportedly not ‘ruling out’ a January loan exit for outcast midfielder Fabio Vieira. The Gunners might need to offload players in the winter window if they are to complete moves for big-money signings.
Vieira has struggled for consistency since his £34million move from Porto in the summer of 2022. The likes of Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka were preferred in midfield during the Portuguese star’s first season, while the arrival of Kai Havertz has stalled his progress this term.
Fabio Vieira
- Instagram @fabiodfvieira
A positive start to the season has subsequently subsided, with Vieira sent off for a poor tackle during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Burnley last weekend. The 23-year-old could now temporarily depart the Emirates Stadium in January.
French outfit Marseille have been linked with the attacking midfielder. However, a move could reportedly hinge on a change in the boardroom.
Regardless, the Portuguese has proven that he is a player with great potential and it looks like Arteta will not be willing to let Vieira leave, even on loan, this winter.
"We know that Fabio will have a big influence, especially in the final minutes, or the last minutes if we need something," Arteta said, quoted from Pain in the Arsenal on Friday.
"Something has changed with Fabio, you see the audience when he comes in, he is different from last year. He is more mature, he is more senior in the squad and his confidence in the squad is high so I am very happy to have that option," Arteta continued.
Fabio Vieira
- Instagram @fabiodfvieira
As mentioned earlier, Marseille are said to have an interest in signing the player. Speaking on the Caught Offside podcast, Romano said Marseille had been linked with an interest in signing Fabio Vieira on loan.
"Marseille have been linked with an interest in signing Fabio Vieira on loan, but it's too early to say," he said.
"Arsenal have not decided anything about players who will leave in January and also OM still does not have a director; Mehdi Benatia will be announced this week, but it is too early to negotiate about players," he added.
Despite the uncertainty, Vieira will still feature for the Gunners, especially during the festive period. The hectic schedule will force a massive rotation.
Mikel Arteta is yet to comment on his exit and entry. However, it is believed that Arsenal will enter the January transfer window with a primary focus on acquiring a midfielder, possibly a striker, and a defender.
